MUMBAI: India is waiting to be bitten by ‘the bug‘. Volkswagen‘s Beetle has made its India debut and fans can‘t wait to get behind the wheel. Winning millions of hearts around the world as much for its aesthetic beauty as for its sturdiness, this Beetle has evolved from the modest looking Type 1 to the sleek, suave new edition of this timeless classic. Zigwheels gets into ‘Beetlemania‘.

The Germans seem to be in a launch mood as Audi and BMW roll out their latest models for the international markets.

Honda is usually known for the Goldwing and Silverwing or closer home, the Stunner and CBR. But they also thought of the U3-X - a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider‘s legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking. In short, a unicycle which might not make its way to India any time soon, but as one of the 50 best inventions of 2009, is definitely worth the time.

All this and more are in store for the viewer, on Zigwheels at the following times:
Thursday, 17th December: 07.30 pm & 10.30 pm
Saturday, 19th December: 03.30 pm & 11.30 pm
Sunday, 20th December: 12.30 pm & 05.00 pm
 

MUMBAI: Get ready for an exclusive insight into the sci-fi marvel Avatar in this week?s installment of Opening Night! Catch all that you wanted to know on this epic movie only on 17th December, 8.30pm on Star Movies!

Avatar, written and directed by James Cameron, is based on an epic conflict on a far-away world called Pandora, where humans and the native species of Pandora, the Na‘vi, engage in a war over the planet‘s resources and existence. Avatar will be released in 2D and 3D formats, along with an IMAX 3D release in select theaters.

This movie is a breakthrough in terms of filmmaking technology, for its development of 3D viewing and stereoscopic filmmaking with cameras that were specially designed for the film‘s production. Get to know all about this & access to exclusive interviews with the cast, crew & animators of the movie.

Stay tuned to STAR Movies as we bring to the cozy confines of your living room, all that you needed to know about the next big Hollywood release! The biggest movies and biggest of stars coming up ? in the next few episodes of Opening Night!

The biggest release this December ? Avatar - exclusively in your living room? you don?t want to miss it! ... Tune in to Opening Night only on the 17th of December at 8:30 PM on Star Movies!
 

MUMBAI: Yes! It is finally D-day and the final episode of The Hunt for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2010!

The final three contestants have worked rather hard to get to this point? cumbersome tasks, overcoming fears and literally ?fighting-it-out?; the girls have done it all. But it?s this final day where it all gets decided?

To test the girls, this week, is none other than the lens man who takes the Kingfisher Calendar to new heights each year - ace photographer and judge - Atul Kasbekar.

The test this week: CHEMISTRY gets the girls to pose with another male model? yes it?s the most well-known male model of all times Milind Soman. And to take matters even further the final test is one every KF model has to pass? posing elegantly while dropping all inhibitions.

Who passes these tests and who doesn?t?? Find out as Olympic bronze medal winner Vijender Singh, actor Kunal Kapoor, Shobhaa De, Atul Kasbekar and Milind Soman decide. Also adding to the extravaganza is a spectacular performance by Anousha Dandekar and her sisters Apeksha and Shibani.

Tune in to catch the sensuous beauty who bags the Kingfisher Calendar page all to herself in the grand finale episode of ?The Hunt for the Kingfisher Calendar Girl 2010? on December 19, 2009, Saturday at 10.00 pm with a repeat next week on Friday, December 25, 2009 at 10:00pm only on NDTV Good Times

MUMBAI: HomeShop18, India?s first 24 hour home shopping channel, has launched ?Year End Maha Sale? once again after the resounding success last year. Television viewers can participate in this unprecedented ?Year End Maha Sale?, all round the clock. During the sale, big discounts will be available across all categories such as consumer electronics, mobiles, jewellery, home appliances, toys, beauty products, kitchen utensils and more.

For the Year End Maha Sale, HomeShop18 has launched a completely new program schedule. HomeShop18 has brought new propositions and a variety of offers under one roof and also relaunched its popular show ?Flat 50% off?. Each show has a range of highly exciting products available at great discounts. For example in ?Flat 50% off? every product is available at a minimum 50% discount to its MRP. In the ?Jewellery Special? show the ?Offer of the Day? proposition will have an assured diamond pendant or accessories kit absolutely free. In Gadget Bazaar, there is 50% off along with an assured GC worth Rs.500 every day. So far, products like Reebok combo, Samsung digicam and Demonte dinner sets have received an overwhelming response from the customers. 

This time, HomeShop18 has ensured that a lot of fresh new merchandise across categories is available. This is something new to look out for, since retailers usually offer old merchandise at a discount and keep fresh merchandise at standard rates.

Announcing the launch of the promotion, Sundeep Malhotra, CEO, HomeShop18 said, ?HomeShop18 is clearly emerging as a destination where value meets quality. This innovative format of round the clock sale got accolades last year so we have launched it again with better offers. The idea is to create the best shopping opportunity for our customers during Christmas and New Year.?

HomeShop18, India?s 1st and only 24 hour Shopping Channel, has built tremendous popularity among the Indian consumers. With exceptional on-call service backed by a 24 hour call centre, nationwide logistic reach of 2750 cities, and demonstration led channel programming; HomeShop18 has become a preferred shopping destination.

For further details about the sale customers can call 1860-1800-918, 0120-4444918 or they can log on to www.homeshop18.com and pick the great deals.

MUMBAI: Leonia Holistic Destination Flagged off their New Year Campaign at The Orchid, Mumbai before heading off to Bangalore and finally ending at Hyderabad. This drive was organized in order to promote the Leonia International Convention & Exhibition Centre (LICEC), Customized Luxury Buses, New Year Event and the upcoming Flow Rider which is the first water sport of its kind in India.

Leonia is an innovative and exciting Holistic Resort, just a few miles from Hyderabad. Unlike many other resorts, Leonia offers a whole world of experiences; whether business or leisure, detox or pampering, an epicurean or an online gamer - it is all here at one destination, set amidst the verdant Deccan Plains.
Addressing the press were Mr. Raghu, Director - Business Development, Dr. Sarat, Director and Mr. Vipin Seth, Vice President - Sales & Marketing along with DJ Suketu and Manasi Scott, who would be performing live on the New Year Eve at Leonia, Hyderabad.

With the state-of-art facilities the LICEC can accommodate more than 6000 people under one roof. The convertible partition makes it easier to divide the convention centre for multiple gatherings. World class acoustics & interiors along with FunktionOne international standard sound system to give a real international touch.

Leonia also introduces 30 customized luxury buses in a phased manner across the country in all major metros & mini-metros to promote Leonia and offer transport services to its guests. These buses will move around the cities promoting the brand Leonia. Initially the buses will be launched in Hyderabad followed by other cities. Unlike the ordinary buses, these buses have push-back seats with attached headphones, reading lamps, food tray and television for entertainment. The complete Air Conditioned buses will have an attendant to help guests serve better, gives a complete luxury drive till your destination.

Dr. Sharat, Director said, "Leonia is a holistic destination and always takes enough care to satisfy different leisure needs of people. On this new year eve, Leonia is geared up to give a wholesome entertainment to the people and thus plays host for three mega live performances by three popular celebrities of India. Probably for the first time in India any destination could have tried this kind of live entertainment keeping in view both the national and regional tastes and preferences."

Leonia & Pride Events presents a night with the stars. A night where there is something for everyone to explore & experience. A one of its kind party with different genres of music coming together to create an unforgettable experience.

For the first time ever in the history of Hyderabad, the world famous Bollywood DJ, DJ Suketu is going for the Big Spin at the Leonia International Convention & Exhibition Centre (LICEC). Manasi Scott, one of the world famous and leading Indi pop singer will be giving a powerhouse performance at Geo Garden. Renowned & super-hit Telugu music director Chakri will be adding the local flavor along with famous Tollywood actresses Shradha Das & Navneet Kaur at Leo Arena.

Leonia is also introducing 5 special packages for the guests this New Year. These residential packages are a perfect mix of Comfort, Fitness, Cuisines, and Entertainment & Relaxation
 

MUMBAI: England won the recently concluded one day series 2-1 against the hosts, South Africa, but now it?s time for Test match cricket. And arguably Test cricket is the real format that challenges a player to bring out all the aspects that go into making him an international cricketer. The stage is set as the two sides will take each other on at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on 16 December in the first of the four Test match series. All the action from this Test Match series can be seen live on Ten Sports. (please check schedule)

The hosts South Africa must put behind them the loss in the one day series and look ahead with fresh perspective on the four Tests that will be played over the next few weeks. The hosts will take heart from the fact that speedster Dale Steyn is recovering well from the hamstring strain which he picked up in the third ODI at Port Elizabeth. Their biggest strength would be the pace attack, that comprises Makhaya ntini, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn. But chances of their most prolific all-rounder taking the field remains in doubt as Jacques Kallis is still nursing a fractured rib, and at present, his is a 50-50 situation. On the Test Rankings front, South Africa have recently lost the top spot to India. The team however has expressed the fact that regaining the top rank will not be priority. But they would know that if they win the series 2-0 they will be back on top of the list.

England on the other hand, will be embarking on their first Test series without the services of Andrew Flintoff, but captain Andrew Strauss is confident that the team will deliver the goods. The recent one day series win would have given the side a sense of belief that would hold them in good stead. Though an area of concern would be the lack of a genuine all-rounder in their ranks, but cricket director Andy Flower and Strauss know that given the squad that they have, with those fit to play, they will give the hosts tough competition.

Five weeks and four tests, is not an easy series by any means. Both sides will have to deliver, with or without their key players. It?s all about performing session by session, where Test Cricket is concerned and both sides know that too well.